International Year of Light

The UN designated 2015 the UNESCO International Year of Light and President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, was announced as the LIGHT2015 Ireland Patron. NUI Galway is coordinating Ireland’s involvement with a series of events across the country. Schools were invited to learn more about the science of light and the contribution of light to our communities.

LIGHT2015 is a global initiative adopted by the United Nations to raise awareness of how optical technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, education, agriculture, communications and health.

Leading the initiative in Ireland is Professor Martin Leahy from NUI Galway’s School of Physics. “Light particles, or photons, are harnessed for use in the world around us. Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons. We are no longer in the electronic age. The 21st century is all about harnessing light through photonics. We have truly entered the Photonics Era.”

LIGHT2015 represents a unique opportunity to marry science, engineering, medicine and the arts - particularly cinema and the fine arts. As part of the International Year of Light, children will have the chance to have their art projected onto walls in city centre locations and app enthusiasts will get access to new apps.